Jordan Tyson Propels Sun Devils Past Bobcats

By: Grace Reddic and Daven Meredith

SAN MARCOS, Texas— Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson’s 120 receiving yards propelled the Sun Devils offense to a 31-28 win over Texas State on Thursday night.  

Arizona State (ASU) found themselves down 14 early in the second quarter. Tyson’s 52-yard touchdown reception brought the Sun Devils within seven with under four minutes in the first half. ASU would complete the comeback and secure the 31-28 win in San Marcos, improving to 3-0. Tyson finished the game with 120 receiving yards on six receptions and a score. Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham spoke about the importance of the outcome in week three.    

“That was awesome,” Dillingham said. “It’s very good for our football team to win that game. To be in a game like that, come out on top, and make the play when it matters just gives our guys confidence in those moments. It’s a good building block for us.”  

The Bobcat’s early 14-point lead was spearheaded by redshirt senior Jordan McCloud, who threw for 268 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Still, Bobcat turnovers would prove costly with three fumbles on the day, one given up by junior running back Ismail Mahdi in the fourth, setting up a 22-yard Ian Hershey field goal that inevitably won the game. Texas State would not be able to produce late for their first loss of the season falling to 2-1. Coach GJ Kinne spoke on the collective team loss.  

“I thought the guys came out and played hard and executed very well at times,” Kinne said. ” It’s collective as a group. So we’ll do a better job coaching next time and get those guys the win.

The Bobcats’ penalties cost them a total of 31 yards, including a targeting call that resulted in junior linebacker Max Harris being ejected from the game. Despite the penalties, the Bobcats offense produced 400 total yards, 268 passing yards, 132 rushing yards, and 21 first downs. 

Looking ahead, Coach GJ Kinne reflects on what will be necessary going forward and how to keep the team’s momentum.

“We have a ton of time, and we have a long break before the next one[game], so we will get in here and go to work,” Kinne said. “We have a bunch of really good leaders and a bunch of really good coaches, and we will come together and get ready for the next one.” 

The Bobcats look to regain momentum against the Sam Houston Bearkats on Sept. 28 at NRG Stadium in Houston at 2:00 p.m.